Stephen, who’s appeared at numerous KNCI events including Golf and Guitars and Country in the Park, was just a few feet away when the incident happened, and seemed empathetic towards Trace.

“You know, there’s only so much you can take when someone’s trying to be you,” Stephen explained. “(Eventually) you’re like, ‘Ok bro’, I’ve been doing this for 20 years, you’ve been following me around…and now you’re going to come on this small cruise ship…'”

Stephen seemed to think part of the breaking point for Trace may have been that the impersonator–who is as of yet still unnamed–had taken to signing autographs as Trace with a signature that looked very much like Trace’s. Asked if there were any actual punches thrown, Stephen said no “he just confronted him.”

Stephen also held some empathy for the impersonator, saying it was obvious he felt genuinely bad to get dressed down by his idol.

The larger issue with the incident of course is that it seems precipitated by Trace’s drinking. 12 years ago Trace gave up booze after an intervention from family and friends. In 2011, Trace told the Hollywood Reporter that if he hadn’t given up drinking, it very likely would have cost him his career, which explains why Trace hastily left the ship as soon as it reached port and checked himself back into rehab. And on that point, we wish Trace all the best.